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World Squash Day Joins Up With Sport Relief 2008

World Squash Day is joining forces with Sport Relief 2008 on Saturday 15th March. The World Squash Day initiative is taking a massive leap forward by linking up with this year's Sport Relief campaign, which is supported by famous faces from the worlds of sport and entertainment.

Sport Relief Weekend 2008 will feature three days of entertainment, events and energy designed to challenge the entire UK nation. It kicks off on Friday 14th March with a fantastic night of TV entertainment on BBC.

On Saturday 15th March squash clubs worldwide can join in the fun with a range of sponsored events. Squash teams can also improve their fitness by taking part in one of the hundreds of Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile events taking place across the UK on Sunday 16th March.

World Squash Day is endorsed by the World Squash Federation and supported by a host of national governing bodies. In previous years, events have taken place in more than 40 countries and have supported the sport's bid for a place in the Olympic Games.

WSF Chief Executive Christian Leighton said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for squash clubs to enjoy a weekend of fun activities and also to get involved with Sport Relief.

"All of the events held by squash clubs will be good for the game and any money raised will be spent by Sport Relief to help vulnerable people living incredibly tough lives both at home in the UK and in the world’s poorest countries.

"We are expecting support from squash clubs and national governing bodies all over the world.”

World Squash Day founder Alan Thatcher said: "This is great news for the sport and it gives every squash club on the planet the opportunity to support two major objectives: to raise the profile of squash and to raise valuable money for Sport Relief.

"It's free to get involved and squash clubs around the world are being asked to open their doors to the public, to hold fun events to promote the game, to attract new members and to show the world what a fantastic sport we have.

"We will also be encouraging clubs to raise money for Sport Relief by staging sponsored events during the weekend."

Sport Relief Fundraising Manager Carolynne Evans said "We are absolutely thrilled that World Squash Day is supporting this year’s campaign and that squash clubs across the UK and beyond will rise to the challenge to raise a heap of cash for Sport Relief."

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WHAT SPORT RELIEF IS:

Sport Relief harnesses the power and passion of sport to change lives for the better. By playing sport, having fun and raising money, everyone can do good and feel good.

World Squash Day was founded following the terrorist attacks in America on September 11th 2001. A number of squash players were among those killed in the attacks on the World Trade Center, including Derek Sword, a former Scottish junior international player who was squash champion at New York Athletic Club. Several of Derek’s friends decided to create something special in his honour, and also provide something tangible for squash. Hence World Squash Day was born. Among the annual activities is a challenge match between New York and a UK team who compete for the Derek Sword Trophy, a magnificent silver rose bowl donated by Derek’s employers, KBW.